Associated PressAthlete's foot is found between and under toes, and on the soles of the feet.

Everyone knows it’s important to take care of your entire body. But one part is often overlooked, and it may be the most used and abused of the extremities: The foot.

Foot health can take a serious hit during the summer months, according to podiatrists, who caution it’s important to protect your tootsies as you would any other vital organ.

We asked Dr. Cindy Resnick, a New Dorp podiatrist, and Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, a spokeswoman for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), to weigh in on three common ailments associated with the season that often may not be properly treated. 

BLISTERS

Whether from wearing ill-fitting shoes or spending too much time on their feet, most people have experienced the painful, small pockets of fluid known as blisters.

“Blisters are most commonly caused from wearing shoes without socks — leading to excessive friction on bony areas of the foot — as well as wearing ill-fitting shoes,” said Dr. Resnick, noting that sweating in warm weather adds insult to the injury.

Don’t wait to break-in new footwear to prevent blisters from forming, the podiatrist said, adding that new shoes should feel comfortable right away. If you have a blister, she said, properly treat problem areas to avoid infection.

Dr. Sutera advises draining the fluid by gently puncturing the blister with a sterilized needle, although sometimes treatment is best left to a professional.

“It’s always best to see a podiatrist so measures can be suggested to properly treat blisters and avoid reoccurrence,” Dr. Resnick noted.

These measures include applying antibacterial cream, padding the area with gauze to limit friction, aggressive drying methods and getting blisters incised in the doctor’s office.

No matter the treatment, podiatrists warn against peeling off the skin around the blister. This can lead to infection. If the area becomes puffy and red, a doctor should be consulted immediately. 

ATHLETE’S FOOT

You don’t have to be a basketball star to catch athlete’s foot, the itchy ailment also known as tinea pedis. The flaky, pink rash commonly is found between and under toes, and on the soles of the feet. Left untreated, it can lead to pustule-filled blisters and spread to the nail bed.

“You can get athlete’s foot from sharing a bath mat, walking barefoot in a gym, swimming in the pool, showering in a public place or visiting a nail salon,” Dr. Sutera said.

Instead of avoiding public pools or leaving toenails unkempt, the podiatrist, who has offices in New Jersey and Manhattan, recommends wearing water shoes and flip-flops when using a public pool or shower (including those in hotels), and bringing your own tools to the nail salon. Spraying closed shoes, like sneakers, with an anti-fungal spray also can help guard against infection after a long day of walking.

“The most common mistake with anti-fungal creams is that people stop using them too early,” she said, explaining, “Skin has a lot of different layers to it, and though the top layer of the skin may improve right away, athlete’s foot can still live underneath.”

Dr. Sutera advises using the cream for at least six weeks under the supervision of a podiatrist and notes that oral anti-fungal medications may be necessary for treating stubborn cases. 

PLANTAR WARTS

View full sizeAssociated PressPlantar warts can occur anywhere and occur in clusters and are the most stubborn.

Caused by viruses in the human papillomavirus family, plantar warts often manifest as cauliflower-like growths with speckled black spots at the center. Unlike calluses, which typically occur in bony provinces of the foot, warts can occur anywhere — even on non-weight bearing regions. Mosaic warts, those occurring in clusters, can be the most stubborn offenders.

Like athlete’s foot, warts are commonly contracted in public pools, showers, gyms and nail salons, Drs. Sutera and Resnick explained. They advise wearing protective footwear, especially during the summer months.

Dr. Resnick said treatment of plantar warts includes drying out the wart; applying topical salicylic acid medications; freezing, and excision. She noted that salicylic acid should be used sparingly since it can damage healthy skin. 